Saints go marching to Wembley
Sean Long was the star man for Saints with 10 points
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Saturday, 26, Jul 2008 09:12
St Helen's are on course to make it three Challenge Cup victories on the trot as they defeated Leeds Rhinos 26-16 in the semi-final at the Galpharm Stadium.
Sean Long was the hero as Saints emerged victorious in an exciting tie played in near 30 degree heat.
Long kicked 10 points, and set up opening tries for Chris Flannery and Leon Pryce as Saints threatened to run riot, ending the first-half with a 12-2 lead.
It was an unfortunate first-half all-round for the Yorkshire side as they lost influential scrum-half Rob Burrow and centre Clinton Toopi to injury.
A converted Jon Wilkin try for St Helens made it 18-2 after the half-time break, but the Rhinos came back into it with two tries from Ali Lauitiiti and Scott Donald.
A comeback was always unlikely and became a near impossibility when Bryn Hargreaves scored a late try to seal victory for Saints, and send them on their way to Wembley.
It was St Helens' 16th straight win and leaves them as hot favourites to complete the domestic treble for the second time in three seasons.
Victory in this year's tournament would be the Saints' fifth Challenge Cup in seven years.